New York and South Africa unite for the Holidays as Bronx-based pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs and South African pianist Hotep Idris Galeta pair up for three unique duo concerts December 13-15 at Shutters Cafe in New York, melding the American and South African jazz traditions in a one-of-a-kind series, presented by Inja Yami Production and Rose Petal Entertainment with support from A.C. Pianocraft.

On Thursday, December 13, the two pianists perform together without accompaniment, presenting their own highly original brands of jazz compositions. On Friday, December 14, the legendary South African jazz vocalist Sathima Bea Benjamin joins the two pianists, performing an elegant jazz set with bassist Marcus McLaurine, and drummer George Gray. The series closes when saxophonist TK Blue and percussionist Bujo Kevin Jones join the group for a full-band jam on Saturday, December 15.

Harlem-born and Queens-raised, jazz pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs has enjoyed a career as first-call sideman, valued arranger and composer, producer, bandleader, and recording artist. Many will remember his vital contributions to such Woody Shaw classics as Moontrane and Rosewood, to which he lent his composing and arranging skills. Still others will recall his work as producer and arranger for vocal dates led by Marlena Shaw; or perhaps his sideman contributions to dates with an impressive range of artists - from Kenny Burrell and Nat Adderley, to Ronald Shannon Jackson, to Jonathan Butler. Onaje's soundtrack writing includes Danny Glover's Showtime film Override, and his composition Dare to Dream" was a theme for a Panasonic awards presentation. In 2006, Onaje was nominated for an NAACP Image Award as Outstanding Jazz Artist. His most recent album, Sack Full of Dreams, has garnered critical acclaim and proven to be a jazz radio favorite, and features the vocal work of esteemed film and stage actor Obba Babatunde.

Hotep Idris Galeta was born in Crawford, Cape Town and grew up exposed to the rich music culture in and around the city. After meeting Abdullah Ibrahim, then known as Dollar Brand, at a high school jazz concert, the two became close friends and Brand became Hotep's mentor. Hotep, or as he was known in the 50's, Cecil Barnard, went on to establish himself as one of the young emerging pianists on the Cape Town Jazz scene. Hotep left South Africa in 1961 for London and then New York, remaining in exile for thirty years, during which he worked with jazz figures such as Jackie McLean, Woody Shaw, Elvin Jones, and Archie Shepp. He was appointed lecturer in Jazz studies to the University of Hartford's Hartt College of Music in 1985. This position continued until his return to South Africa in 1991. In 2003, Hotep released the critically acclaimed solo album Malay Tone Poem, recorded with some of South Africa's rising jazz stars including Marcus Wyatt and Zim Ngqawana. Hotep currently manages the Resource Centre at Artscape Performing Arts Theatre Complex in Cape Town, South Africa, and also co-ordinates the Jazz Performance and Community Outreach Jazz Education programs there, and also teaches at Fort Hare University.

Concert Information Onaje Allan Gumbs and Hotep Idris Galeta with special guests December 13, 14, and 15, 2007 Shutters Cafe 433 W. 34th St. New York, NY 10001 Shows at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. $30 per show To make a reservation, for more information, or for press requests, call 917-907-1200

I grew up listening to my father's jazz records and listening to the radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy

I grew up listening to my father's jazz records and listening to the radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy. So music and jazz specifically have been a part of me since I was born. I love and perform in all styles of music from around the world. Improvisation in jazz is what drew me in, and still does as well as other genres that feature improvisation. A group of great musicians expressing themselves as one is the hallmark of great jazz and in fact all great music.